C90. I Mean What I Say.

C90. I Mean What I Say.

Yuan Li's expression was calm as he turned to Guo Lin and gave a few instructions before going to comfort the new recruits.

Chu Hechao couldn't help but feel intrigued by Yuan Li's demeanor, finding himself lost in thought as he watched.

Yang Zhongfa, standing next to him, followed his gaze and saw Yuan Li. Suddenly feeling a bit strange, he whispered, "General?"

Chu Hechao took his eyes off Yuan Li, giving Yang Zhongfa a cold glance, and asked, "What is it?"

The strange feeling in Yang Zhongfa's heart disappeared before he could grasp it. Shaking his head, he felt like he might be getting sunburned, "We should also go now."

The soldiers who had made it to the final stage were too tired to walk, so Yuan Li had his personal guards take them back on horseback, speaking kindly and caring for them, leaving the new recruits feeling pleasantly surprised.

Seeing Wu Ze's fear when he was executed turn to awe, the new recruits began to admire the Governor from the bottom of their hearts.

Before mounting their horses, Yuan Li scanned the crowd and quickly spotted Chu Hechao. Chu Hechao seemed to sense it and looked back at him.

Their eyes met, and Chu Hechao's stern and imposing demeanor softened as he slightly smiled and quickly blinked at Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao's chest began to pound heavily.

Seeing Yuan Li's lips move, Chu Hechao couldn't help but take big steps towards him and stopped in front of him, asking, "What did you say?"

Yuan Li was surprised by how openly Chu Hechao came over. Avoiding eye contact with others, he vaguely responded, "I didn't say anything. Why did you come over?"

"You winked at me," Chu Hechao smirked, looking Yuan Li up and down, lowering his voice, "Sister-in-law, winking at your little brother-in-law in broad daylight isn't very appropriate, is it?"

Yuan Li's lips twitched, and he gave Chu Hechao a sharp look.

Chu Hechao felt his heart soften with just one look from Yuan Li and fearing he might be too forward, he suppressed his smile, his expression turning cold as he said, "If there's nothing else, I'll leave."

Yuan Li silently glanced at Chu Hechao and without a word, rode off.

Chu Hechao watched his retreating figure, feeling that something was amiss. It was only when he and his men rode off together that his expression changed.

He turned to Yang Zhongfa and asked, "Was I too harsh when I said that?"

With the same expression and tone, he repeated his words to Yang Zhongfa. Yang Zhongfa nodded in agreement, "Very harsh."

Chu Hechao's expression turned sour, "Oh no."

Yang Zhongfa asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

"Do you ever scold your wif?" Chu Hechao suddenly changed the subject, asking Yang Zhongfa.

Yang Zhongfa replied, "It depends on the situation. I don't scold her much now that I'm older. When I was younger, my temper was bad, and I would scold her occasionally. When I scolded her, she would cry, my goodness, she cried so much that the tears could fill the Yellow River."

He made a regretful expression and waved his hand, "After a few times, I dared not scold her anymore."

He Qinglang chuckled, "General, are you thinking of getting married?"

Chu Hechao remained silent, his face expressionless.

Before long, the group returned.

Yuan Li understood the power of honor. He rewarded the top fifty new recruits with enough honor, not only having his guards escort them back to the camp but also giving them better clothes, boots, and shiny new armor.

He also gave the top three recruits the gold they deserved.

Initially, Yuan Li planned to pay for the gold himself, which was nothing to him. Especially since Cai Ji had previously apologized and compensated them with eight large boxes of gold.

Afterwards, with Cai Ji fleeing in haste, he left behind almost sixty percent of his wealth, including many gold coins.

However, when Guo Mao heard about Yuan Li's plan, he stopped it. He went to some southern merchants and hinted discreetly, and they understood, willingly offering the gold as a token of admiration for the mighty soldiers of Youzhou, presenting it as military funds.

After feigning reluctance three times, Guo Mao accepted it and used it as rewards for the top three recruits.

Returning to the camp with these items, the top fifty couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as they observed the envious looks from the other soldiers trying to hide their admiration.

Their heads spun, light as if from overindulging in rice wine. Words tumbled out incoherently, punctuated by wide, foolish grins. They recounted the day's triumphs to their fellow soldiers, basking in the cheers and gasps of awe.

Finally, exhaustion crashed over them like a tidal wave. The fifty men tumbled into a near-comatose sleep. Yet, a nagging worry lingered – was this glorious day just a fleeting dream?

Even in slumber, they clutched Yuan Li's gifts; clothes and boots, a tangible reminder of their victory.

The once-lively camp settled into a hushed serenity as night fell.

Chu Hechao, driven by a familiar habit, sought out Yuan Li's quarters. But the doors and windows were firmly shut, his attempts to push them open futile.

He rubbed his throbbing temples, muttering Yuan Li's name, his voice swallowed by the silence within. "Yuan Li."

An oppressive silence hung in the room. Chu Hechao's voice, laced with patience, echoed once more, "Yuan Lejun."

Yuan Li sprawled on the bed, swinging his legs nonchalantly, feigning deafness.

After repeated calls, the man outside ceased his attempts.

Yuan Li, unconvinced of his sudden departure, endured a tense wait. A sharp crack shattered the silence, followed by a dark figure inexplicably flipping through the closed window!

Surprised, Yuan Li sat up instantly. The dark shadow quickly approached him, covering his mouth with one hand and pushing him into the corner of the bed.

"Governor," the man intentionally lowered his voice, sneering, "you'd better not move."

Yuan Li smelled the familiar scent of Chu Hechao and thought, inappropriately, 'Uh-oh, this feels more like an affair.'

He made a few muffled sounds, and Chu Hechao released his hand from Yuan Li's mouth, chuckling as he climbed onto the bed. "So, why did you lock me out?" he asked.

"It's not common to lock doors and windows when sleeping," Yuan Li said indifferently. "If there's nothing, you better leave."

Chu Hechao knew that Yuan Li was really upset when he heard his tone during the day. He clicked his tongue, feeling both amused and exasperated. "You have quite the temper," he said.

Yuan Li chuckled, sounding both genuine and fake.

Chu Hechao immediately started to coax Yuan Li in a humble tone. "I was wrong to be harsh with you."

Yuan Li turned over and closed his eyes to sleep, ignoring him.

Chu Hechao hugged him from behind and sincerely apologized, "I really was wrong."

Yuan Li said softly, "Your apology this time is more sincere than any before we were together."

"Nonsense," Chu Hechao turned him around, "I always apologize sincerely."

"And then repeat the same mistake," Yuan Li replied.

Chu Hechao coughed, "Don't talk nonsense."

"Why did you suddenly act harshly towards me?" Yuan Li asked.

"Because I like you too much," Chu Hechao pinched Yuan Li's face, inadvertently making his mouth pout, looking ridiculous. "I was trying to hide my feelings, that's why I had a stern face."

Yuan Li forcefully pushed away his hand, "Don't touch me."

"Hey," Chu Hechao chuckled, squinting his eyes playfully, "You won't even let me touch you?"

Yuan Li nodded.

"Alright, won't touch you. You tell me when I can touch you again," Chu Hechao laid back, resting his head on his arm and closing his eyes, "Le Jun, when will you wear your outer robe with bare legs again?"

Yuan Li's forehead twitched, "I have never worn my legs bare in an outer robe. I've told you before, I'm wearing pants underneath!"

Chu Hechao teased, "Just your little shorts."

Yuanli corrected him, "Those are called boxer shorts."

Last time Chu Hechao kissed him, he noticed that Yuan Li was wearing some small shorts. He had never seen such a thing before, feeling it was strange, like something only a child would wear. But on Yuan Li, it looked particularly cute, and it even made him feel a bit itchy inside.

"It must be comfortable to wear that thing," Chu Hechao said, reaching out to lift Yuanli's clothes to see if it was comfortable.

Yuan Li immediately grabbed his hand, "Behave yourself."

Chu Hechao sighed, "How can I act like a widower even with a wife now?"

Yuan Li laughed, unable to contain his amusement.

Chu Hechao leaned in to kiss him, and this time Yuan Li didn't refuse. As they kissed, Yuan Li was bitten again, frowning, "Stop biting me."

Chu Hechao promised, "I won't bite next time."

Yuan Li didn't believe him, "You said that last time too."

Chu Hechao: "..."

Blushing, he changed the subject awkwardly, "You handled things well during the day, strictly following military orders. Those who make mistakes must be punished, letting those kind of people off is also harmful. You made the right call."

Yuan Li let him change the topic and after a brief conversation, he sighed.

Chu Hechao lightly tapped him, "Why sigh at your young age?"

Ignoring the man's dishonest hand, Yuan Li asked, "Why haven't our parents arrived in Youzhou yet?"

"They have too much stuff to bring," Chu Hechao replied, stroking his hair, "You know how much your parents would bring, and the process of selling properties and consolidating assets would take time, let alone taking all of that to Youzhou. It's a big caravan with many people and belongings, and considering the distance to Youzhou, it might take six months on the road."

Yuan Li sighed with concern, "I'm worried about them." Chu Hechao comfortingly patted his back.

Yuan Li then said, "Once my parents and the prince's family arrive, don't come over at night anymore. If you're discovered..."

Chu Hechao frowned, remaining silent for a while. Then he said, "I will convince my parents."

Yuan Li looked at him quietly.

With a low and determined voice, Chu Hechao's handsome face showed a sense of determination, "Even if my parents disagree, it won't change my determination. As long as you stay by my side, everything will be fine. Trust me, I will handle everything."

Yuan Li pursed his lips, unsure of how to respond.

Chu Hechao suddenly felt uneasy, furrowing his brows and saying, "Yuan Li, speak! Are you scared?" His grip on Yuanli's hand tightened as a mixture of anxiety and anger flashed in his eyes.

"You can't go back on your word."

Yuan Li came back to his senses and chuckled, "I'm not scared."

Chu Hechao stared at him firmly, "Truly?"

Yuan Li assured him, "I keep my promises."

Chu Hechao's heart suddenly calmed down, he let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead, "You almost scared me to death."